Dreamcast VGA?

[steveprudden]

Does anyone know anything about the Dreamcast VGA boxes?

I've just bought myself a Dreamcast console to start a new game collection and I'm interested in hooking up a VGA box to my HDTV. The problem is that my TV doesn't have a VGA input. If I were to use a simple VGA to HDMI cable like this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Premium-HDMI-Cable-Gold-Metre/dp/B000GDI6FC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373147202&sr=8-1&keywords=vga+to+hdmi
Would it have the same effect? Or would that completely miss the point of using a VGA output?

[larryinc64]

I'm mostly sure you need a converter box, that cable will not convert the VGA signal to HDMI.
SOMETHING LIKE THIS

[steveprudden]

Yeah, I get that - I plan on getting one. But I can't feed that box in to my TV because the TV doesn't have a VGA input.
My question is would it be worth running the cable from my last post from the VGA box to the TV?

[sheep2001]

Does anyone know anything about the Dreamcast VGA boxes?

I've just bought myself a Dreamcast console to start a new game collection and I'm interested in hooking up a VGA box to my HDTV. The problem is that my TV doesn't have a VGA input. If I were to use a simple VGA to HDMI cable like this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Premium-HDMI-Cable-Gold-Metre/dp/B000GDI6FC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373147202&sr=8-1&keywords=vga+to+hdmi
Would it have the same effect? Or would that completely miss the point of using a VGA output?

The cable will do the trick, but for video only.  Dreamcast VGA boxes split out the audio, as VGA is video only.  You'll need one of the boxes if you want to mix the audio back into the hdmi cable.  Alternative you could use the able for video, and then take audio feed direct to your amp from the dreamcast VGA box. (VGA boxes generally have 3.5mm headphone jack out - so simple enough)

The box larry linked to will take the VGA and audio signals from the VGA adapter, and convert to hdmi

[steveprudden]

Ok. Sorry, I thought the linked converter box was just another VGA box.

Thanks for the help guys.

Don't think I can justify the price of getting a VGA to HDMI converter box on top of the VGA box. Anyone tried one?

[kylethestyle]

My question is would it be worth running the cable from my last post from the VGA box to the TV?

Fuck yes it is. Especially on an HDTV; makes the textures look really crisp and detailed. I have a VGA port on my TV, so I don't need a converter box for HDMI, but one can assume there will be some sort of video quality loss going through a converter. Like stated earlier, you need to plug your audio into an external device if your TV doesn't have 3.5mm audio input (mine does). If you don't get a VGA to HDMI converter at the same time as your DC VGA box, try it out on your computer monitor.

[scarmullet]

You will need a converter box, defiantly, but be careful and research which ones work, VGA is still a Low Definition Signal with a 640x480 pixel resolution, and one not used by computers at the time (abandoned for SVGA), and some VGA to HDMI adapters do not play nice with the Dreamcast VGA box or a VGA modded system. One that does work is one reviewed by this guy (Link at the end of the post), which requires USB power as it is meant for laptops. Its a little expensive, but well worth it to get one that you know works right.

http://youtu.be/JXvXE-Nqr54

http://www.amazon.com/Atlona-AT-HDVIEW-HDMI-Scaler-1080p/dp/B00384D67O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1329007996&sr=8-2

[steveprudden]

My question is would it be worth running the cable from my last post from the VGA box to the TV?

Fuck yes it is. Especially on an HDTV; makes the textures look really crisp and detailed. I have a VGA port on my TV, so I don't need a converter box for HDMI, but one can assume there will be some sort of video quality loss going through a converter. Like stated earlier, you need to plug your audio into an external device if your TV doesn't have 3.5mm audio input (mine does). If you don't get a VGA to HDMI converter at the same time as your DC VGA box, try it out on your computer monitor.

Turns out my TV doesn't have a separate audio input and I don't have external audio either. Maybe it's just not meant to be!
One day I might splash out on a converter. Until then I'm gonna have to stick to AV composite.

Can you get CRTs with VGA input? Would that be preferable to an HDTV with VGA?

[sheep2001]

You could use a set of pc or iPod speakers

[kylethestyle]

Can you get CRTs with VGA input? Would that be preferable to an HDTV with VGA?

Yes you can. I just saw one at goodwill, but passed on it because it was just a very large computer monitor. I'm not sure how common CRT TVs with a VGA input are in the United States, or even if they exist. I think they are much more common in Europe. It would be preferable to use your Dreamcast on a TV that's maximum resolution is 480p, as the maximum resolution of the Dreamcast would be 480p. But, I have to say: good luck on finding a 480p CRT TV that has a VGA input. I have never seen one, but here's one on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCtQFRermns

[zakurowrath]

Can you get CRTs with VGA input? Would that be preferable to an HDTV with VGA?

They do exist, I remember though out my elementary to high school years they were using them with G3 or G4 computers and calling them "COWS" or Computer On WheelS. I really do wish I could have wrote down some model numbers since these TV's had it all, many component inputs that could accept 240p, VGA, a few even had SCART which was very uncommon for American TV's.

Ask for this situation you could go the VGA to HDMI route. The Atlona upscaler you linked seems to work according to someone in the ratings reviews. The only thing is to get audio on the HDMI connection your VGA cable or box needs to have audio out than can be plugged into the input 3.5mm jack on the upscaler.

If your cable has RCA (white and red) connectors for audio there's an adapter for that as well to convert it to 3.5mm.

http://www.amazon.com/Female-3-5mm-Stereo-Male-inch/dp/B000I23TTO

[scarmullet]

My question is would it be worth running the cable from my last post from the VGA box to the TV?

Fuck yes it is. Especially on an HDTV; makes the textures look really crisp and detailed. I have a VGA port on my TV, so I don't need a converter box for HDMI, but one can assume there will be some sort of video quality loss going through a converter. Like stated earlier, you need to plug your audio into an external device if your TV doesn't have 3.5mm audio input (mine does). If you don't get a VGA to HDMI converter at the same time as your DC VGA box, try it out on your computer monitor.

Turns out my TV doesn't have a separate audio input and I don't have external audio either. Maybe it's just not meant to be!
One day I might splash out on a converter. Until then I'm gonna have to stick to AV composite.

Can you get CRTs with VGA input? Would that be preferable to an HDTV with VGA?

Some VGA boxes have Composite and S-video outputs as a secondary connection (just flip a switch), so it could be worth while to make the investment in a VGA box now, and then you'll have VGA ready for when you find a CRT with VGA in. Also you'll be able to use non-proprietary cabling for S-video and get a very nice image.